Youngster gets to thank firefighter who came to his aid

David Sedgwick

A boy who was knocked down by a car on his way to school has thanked the off-duty firefighter who saved him.

Watch manager Carl Latimer, who is based at Byker Community Fire Station, had been on a run in Addington Drive, Wallsend, when he heard a commotion after a youngster was hit by a car.

It was nice to be able to meet Carl again and thank him for what he did

Kelly Davison

Harry Davison, five, had been going to school with his sister Kelly, 24, when he was knocked off his scooter by a passing car as they approached a pedestrian crossing on July 16.

Kelly said: “The drivers normally stop to let people with kids cross the road, but this car kept going and must have clipped Harry’s scooter as he went down the ramp on the pavement.

“He was whipped up into the air and carried along on the bonnet of the car for several yards before it stopped. I screamed and scooped him up into my arms but I didn’t know what to do, I was in such a state.

“Carl came straight over and he was brilliant. He assured me it was fine to put Harry down then he put him in the right position and calmed me down, because I was hysterical. He was just fantastic.”

Harry was taken to Cramlington hospital for a check-up but came through the ordeal without a scratch.

Harry and Kelly were treated to a tour of Byker Community Fire Station on Tuesday where they were able to thank Carl for what he did, after he had left the scene shortly afterwards to continue his run.

Kelly added: “It was nice to be able to meet Carl again and thank him for what he did.”

“Harry had an absolutely brilliant time at the fire station.

“He had a look round one of the fire engines and had a go on the hose; one of the lads even let him soak him from head to toe, which Harry thought was hilarious. Everybody was great with him and he couldn’t stop smiling.”

Speaking of the accident, Carl said: “As I was running along I heard a screech of tyres and a loud thud followed by a lot of people screaming about 200 metres away.

“I ran as fast as I could to see what had happened and there was a crowd of people crying and a group gathered around a little boy.

“My training kicked in; I introduced myself as a firefighter and just took over. Harry was conscious and crying.

“I checked him over from the neck down and looked for any signs of blood or swelling.

“When the paramedics arrived I explained what had happened and what I had done then just left it to them and carried on with my run.”

He added: “I’m just pleased Harry is okay and that he had a great time at the station.”